Ex-MP, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, ‘visited gay sauna’ while calling homosexuality ‘sinful’, programme alleges

A former MP visited a gay sauna in London in the same year he publicly described homosexuality as “sinful”, according to a forthcoming BBC documentary.

The programme claims that Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), was seen entering a central London sauna popular with gay men in 2006.

Two former senior police officers have said they observed him entering the premises, with one stating he was “100 per cent sure” of the identification, a claim said to be corroborated by a second detective. 

The allegations are due to be aired in a BBC Northern Ireland Spotlight documentary, which examines what it describes as a “double life” involving behaviour at odds with Donaldson’s public stance.

At the time, the politician had described homosexuality as “sinful”, a position consistent with his party’s opposition to same-sex marriage. 

The reports come after Donaldson was convicted of a string of sexual offences, including rape, against two women when they were children. He is currently awaiting sentencing.

According to the programme, the alleged sauna visit itself was not illegal, but raised concerns among those who later reflected on the contrast between his private conduct and public statements.

Former colleagues and investigators cited in the documentary describe the behaviour as indicative of a “double standard”, while also warning it could have exposed him to potential compromise during his political career. 

The BBC said it put the allegations to Donaldson ahead of broadcast but did not receive a response. 

The DUP has not commented directly on the claims contained within the programme, but has previously said it was “shocked” by wider allegations surrounding its former leader.